PC enthusiasts persist in migrating to Windows 11, not merely from Windows 10, but even from other operating systems as well.
### Changing Landscape in PC Gaming OS Usage
In the realm of gaming operating systems, Windows continues to reign supreme, holding a staggering 95.67% market share among Steam users as of June 2025 [2][4]. This dominance is due to Windows' wide software compatibility and hardware support, making it the go-to choice for gamers.
Linux, including SteamOS, accounts for a smaller share of 2.57% of Steam users [2]. Despite its relatively small user base, Linux gaming has witnessed improvements in recent years, with better game support and user-friendly distributions like SteamOS [4]. macOS users, while a relatively small but stable segment, account for about 1.76% of the Steam user base [2].
### The Ascendancy of Windows 11
Windows 11 has emerged as the most popular desktop OS as of July 2025, according to data from StatCounter [5]. This popularity is likely driven by Windows 11's features and security enhancements, as well as its superior hardware support and vast library of games. While specific gaming-centric data for Windows 11 isn't detailed, its overall dominance in the market suggests it is widely used for gaming.
### Shifts in Linux and macOS Usage
Linux's share on Steam has shown minor fluctuations, with a slight decline in recent months [2]. This decline could be due to various factors, including language preferences and user behavior changes. Despite the small market share, Linux gaming has seen significant improvements, with more games being ported to Linux and better performance with distributions like SteamOS [4]. This could attract more users interested in open-source and community-driven gaming platforms.
The macOS user base remains relatively stable, though its share has not seen significant growth in recent months.
### The Rise of the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Desktop graphics still dominate the list of most-used GPUs by Steam players, but the RTX 4060 laptop GPU's rise suggests a change in how people game. The RTX 4060 laptop GPU is the only other GPU in the top ten of the most-used GPUs by Steam players, and it is now second [3]. Its popularity may be due to its affordability and the fact that it is used in a range of non-gaming focused laptops, making it a good value investment [6].
The increase in the use of the RTX 4060 laptop GPU may indicate a shift towards laptop gaming. The Steam Deck and handhelds like the ROG Ally are contributing to AMD's rise in the PC gaming market [7].
### The Future of PC Gaming
The overall PC gaming market remains strong, with it being a great time to be a PC gamer. Microsoft recently allowed Windows 10 users to extend their security support for another year [1], addressing the lingering issue of what those who can't update to Windows 11 will do. The decline in Windows 10's overall desktop market share [3] may be due to gamers switching over to Windows 11.
In conclusion, while Windows, particularly Windows 11, continues to dominate the gaming OS market, Linux offers a niche but dedicated user base. The growth of Linux gaming is driven by community support and improvements in game compatibility, though it remains a small segment compared to Windows. The rise of the RTX 4060 laptop GPU may indicate a shift towards laptop gaming, making it an exciting time for PC gamers.
References: [1] Microsoft allows Windows 10 users to extend security support for another year. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-allows-windows-10-users-to-extend-security-support-for-another-year
[2] June 2025 Steam Hardware & Software Survey. (2025). [online] Available at: https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/
[3] Windows 11, at last count, was on par with Windows 10 in overall desktop market share. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-at-last-count-was-on-par-with-windows-10-in-overall-desktop-market-share/
[4] The state of Linux gaming in 2025. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/the-state-of-linux-gaming-in-2025.14465
[5] Windows 11 becomes the world's most popular desktop OS. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.statcounter.com/os/windows/version-market-share/desktop/worldwide
[6] The RTX 4060 laptop GPU is the only other GPU in the top ten of the most-used GPUs by Steam players, and it is now second. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.pcgamer.com/news/the-rtx-4060-laptop-gpu-is-the-only-other-gpu-in-the-top-ten-of-the-most-used-gpus-by-steam-players-and-it-is-now-second/
[7] The Steam Deck and handhelds like the ROG Ally are contributing to AMD's rise in the PC gaming market. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/steam-deck-contributing-to-amd-rise-in-pc-gaming-market/
- The dominance of Windows in gaming OS market continues, with Windows 11 becoming the most popular desktop OS as of July 2025.
- Microsoft's decision to allow Windows 10 users to extend their security support for another year addresses the concerns of those who can't upgrade to Windows 11.
- The decline in Windows 10's overall desktop market share might be due to gamers shifting over to Windows 11.
- Linux gaming, though a smaller segment, has witnessed significant improvements, attracting users interested in open-source and community-driven platforms.
- The RTX 4060 laptop GPU's rise in popularity suggests a shift towards laptop gaming, making it an exciting time for PC gamers.
- The growth of Linux gaming is driven by improved game compatibility and better performance with distributions like SteamOS.
- In the realm of gaming hardware, the RTX 4060 laptop GPU holds the second spot in the list of most-used GPUs by Steam players.
- The future of PC gaming looks promising, with technology advancements in software, hardware, and artificial-intelligence integrations into gadgets such as laptops, desktops, and even handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
